About the Role
Embark on a career journey with Franklin Electric, where your passion meets purpose, and every day is an opportunity to make a difference in our global communities by providing access to water, fuel, and electricity.
The Process Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and maintaining injection molding processes to ensure the production of high-quality plastic components in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner. This position works closely with Production, Tooling, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and Continuous Improvement teams to improve productivity, reduce scrap, minimize downtime, and support new product launches.
Franklin Electric is a diverse team of innovators making a positive global impact since 1944. We offer innovative water solutions, ensuring access, treatment, and efficient management of this vital resource. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our innovative products, industry-leading quality, exceptional customer service, employee development, and passion for social responsibility. Join us to create a better future while growing professionally in a supportive environment.
Move Forward With Us
Who We Want
- Develop, establish, document, and optimize injection molding processes for new and existing products.
- Set up and validate molding parameters including fill, pack, hold, cooling, injection speed, screw recovery, clamp force, and melt temperatures.
- Troubleshoot molding defects such as flash, short shots, sink marks, burns, splay, warpage, bubbles, and dimensional issues.
- Analyze process performance and implement corrective actions to improve quality and cycle times.
- Lead scientific molding and process validation activities including IQ, OQ, and PQ as required.
- Establish standard process documentation, setup sheets, work instructions, and process control limits.
- Support mold trials, first article inspections, engineering changes, and new product introductions.
- Collaborate with Tooling and Maintenance to identify mold repairs, preventive maintenance needs, and equipment improvements.
- Evaluate and recommend process improvements that increase productivity, reduce waste, and lower manufacturing costs.
- Monitor key performance indicators including cycle time, scrap, downtime, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), and machine utilization.
- Perform root cause analysis using structured problem-solving methods such as 5 Why, Fishbone, Pareto Analysis, and Corrective Action.
- Assist in equipment selection, installation, and commissioning of new molding machines and auxiliary equipment.
- Train production personnel, mold technicians, and process technicians on established processing standards and best practices.
- Ensure compliance with customer specifications, quality standards, and engineering requirements.
- Participate in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support production during startup, changeovers, and troubleshooting activities.
- Work with Quality Engineering to resolve customer complaints and internal quality concerns.
- Maintain accurate engineering records, process documentation, and validation reports.
- Ensure compliance with company safety policies and OSHA regulations.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Who We Want:
- Collaborative partners. People who build cross-functional relationships to develop best practices and innovative solutions.
- Dedicated achievers. People who thrive in a fast-paced environment and will stop at nothing to ensure a project is completed and meets regulations and expectations.
What You Need
- Thorough understanding of plastic injection molding processes and molding parameters.
- Strong knowledge of resin characteristics including commodity and engineered thermoplastics.
- Ability to troubleshoot complex molding defects and identify root causes.
- Knowledge of mold design, tooling, hot runner systems, cooling systems, and auxiliary equipment.
- Familiarity with robotic automation, conveyors, dryers, chillers, thermolators, and material handling systems.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, and quality requirements.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Experience with SPC, process capability studies, and statistical analysis.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems preferred.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational and time management abilities.
- Ability to prioritize multiple projects while meeting production deadlines.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field preferred.
- Equivalent combination of education and extensive injection molding experience may be considered.
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in plastics injection molding processing or manufacturing engineering preferred.
- Experience with scientific molding principles strongly preferred.
- Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing environments.
- Experience with process validation and new product launches is preferred
Computer Skills
- Intermediate: CAD software, alphanumeric data entry, spreadsheet.
- Basic: Word processing/typing.
Certificates and Licenses
• None.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
While performing the functions of this job, the employee is:
- Continually required to stand or walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.
- Regularly required to reach with hands and arms.
- Occasionally required to sit.
- The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- While performing the functions of this job, the employee is frequently subjected to fumes or airborne particles, moving parts, and risk of electrical shock.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Don’t feel like you check all the boxes in the job description? Here at Franklin Electric, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive culture which includes embracing candidates from a variety of different backgrounds and industries. We highly encourage you to apply so we can connect on this and future opportunities.
Why Work at Franklin Electric?
Becoming a part of the Franklin Electric team not only provides outstanding benefits, it also opens doors to opportunities for future growth. Enjoy peace of mind with a world-class company. But more importantly, be satisfied in knowing you make a difference.
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Global Headquarters here in Fort Wayne, Indiana.